DENR, mining sector to clean QC estero

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently partnered with the mining sector to undertake rehabilitation of one of Quezon City’s major creeks as part of the government’s estero cleanup program.

DENR Secretary Ramon Paje sealed the partnership by forging a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), represented by its president Louie Sarmiento, for the cleanup of Diliman Creek and its minor tributaries.

PMSEA is an organization of mining companies, quarries, cement plants, suppliers, professional organizations and government agencies that promotes occupational safety in mining and related operations.

“We are pleased that the PMSEA has heeded our call to the private sector to adopt esteros and creeks and assist in their cleanup before we move on to restoring the Pasig River,” Paje said.

The MOA is effective immediately upon its execution and covers a period of one year.

Paje is confident that the partnership will bring significant improvement to the condition of the creek. “This program will showcase a successfully concerted effort to reduce pollution in the Diliman creek and its minor tributaries that will eventually lead to a healthy, clean and safe environment for all the communities surrounding it,” he said.

Under the MOA, the PMSEA will provide their expertise in the installation of engineering solutions, as well as assistance in training community leaders on solid waste management and social mobilization.

The PMSEA is also tasked with the surface cleanup of the identified pilot site, and will assist the DENR and the Quezon City government in information dissemination and community mobilization.

In turn, the DENR through its Environmental Management Bureau and the Laguna Lake Development Authority will implement the provisions of Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and RA 9275, the Clean Water Act. “These include monitoring surrounding establishments and the creek’s water quality, providing technical assistance in establishing a materials recovery facility, and conducting social preparation for key stakeholders,” Paje said.

The Diliman creek is a tributary of the San Juan River, one of the major tributaries of the Pasig River which empties into Manila Bay. The creek’s water quality has deteriorated due to the volume of silt, waste and other debris coming from communities and establishments along its banks.